GRIN Verlag Critical factors influencing the adoption of Robo-Advisors: An empirical study of the banking industry in Germany

Master's Thesis from the year 2020 in the subject Business economics - Banking, Stock Exchanges, Insurance, Accounting, grade: 1,3, , language: English, abstract: This study aims to identify the current state of adoption in German banks and critical factors for traditional institutes that need to be considered when it comes to the implementation of Robo Advisory solutions. Data were collected via a questionnaire that was filled by banking employees in Germany. Factor Analysis revealed the result that selection criteria are a very important factor for banks when they decide to acquire a Robo Advisory company or cooperate with such a Fintech firm. Especially characteristics like the performance, reputation, willingness to share sufficient information and technological capability of a Robo Advisory company need to be considered. The study also revealed that the IT-infrastructure of traditional banks is often not compatible with the technology offered by Robo Advisors. This can lead to problems in the integration process and need to be an aspect in the initiation phase of such a project. Robo Advisors are one example of Fintech companies that recently have moved into the financial industry and challenge traditional banking institutes with their business models. Mostly, Fintech companies are only operating in one field of banking and try to attract customers via internet-based offers that focus on simple user interface, efficiency, transparency and automation. Robo Advisors are companies offering automated financial investment tools and can therefore be located in the segment of asset management and investment. Relevant literature has stated the need for traditional banks to react in form of cooperation with such companies, acquisition of Robo Advisors or creation of own automated investment solutions.